Ezekiel 28-30

September 11

Ezekiel 28-30

"“Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “‘In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.” But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god." (Ezekiel 28:2, NIV)

The pride of men is usually their downfall. We see the pride of the king of Tyre and the pride of Pharaoh as their ultimate sin. They lifted themselves up to the seat of God. They claimed to be gods. In the Garden of Eden the serpent knew the weakness of humanity. We want to exalt ourselves to the place of God. "“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”" (Genesis 3:5, NIV) These words stuck in the heart of Eve and Adam and led to the fall of humanity.

 Israel leaned on Tyre and Egypt, trusting them to protect Israel when enemies came for battle. God had promised to protect them, but they trusted nations instead of trusting God. They substituted these human institutions for the all powerful creating God. God would not stand by forever while His creation claimed His position. God promised He would send calamity on the people. Each nation would pay for their rebellion and sin against God. He would reveal himself so that there would be no doubt that He was God.

We may not claim to be God, but many in our society make that claim by their actions. We set our eyes on our own goals. We decide we are going to do things our way regardless of God’s desire or commands. God wants to guide us, to help us, to protect us, but we are headstrong and refuse to turn to His ways. But we all should remember; there will be a Day of Judgment when we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10, NIV)